201 | Revenge Pornography, Sexual Exploitation, and Sextortion: Addressing Sexual Abuse in a Digital Age

Digital media has changed the landscape for communication in today’s culture. While technology and digital media advances have benefits, there are corresponding risks that are rarely discussed or noticed until someone is directly impacted by such abuse. Sexual abuse, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, sextortion, and child abuse no longer only take place in person or “offline” but also occur through digital media platforms online. The same relationship dynamics that exist offline also exist online. Perpetrators of abuse use electronic means to harass, stalk, manipulate, extort, and exact revenge on current, former or wanted romantic partners. A domestic abuser who berates his victim in person will continue to do so through digital means, such as texting. Location tracking on smart devices, whether a phone, tablet, or AirTag, allows an abuser or stalker to use digital means to track their victim’s movements. Sexual exploitation, particularly of minors, takes place through digital media platforms that children and adolescents regularly use. A serial abuser of children has access to thousands of victims through social media pages. In this workshop, psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical professionals, and ministry leaders will learn to identify those who have been victims of digital sexual abuse or harassment and acquire the legal means to protect a victim. Participants will also learn how to help churches and parents teach church members and children about these digital abuses and how to protect themselves online.